EP2559105B1 - Device for electrically connecting a cable, in particular a plug-in connector part - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a combination of a cable and a device for electrically connecting the cable with the features in the preamble of claim 1.

In the case of electrical plug connectors, a plug element and a socket element are plugged together, the contact elements of the plug element and the socket element coming into electrical contact with one another and the electrical current being conducted via the contact elements. In order to prevent a deterioration in the electrical contact properties when a tensile force occurs on the cable, it is known to clamp the device to the jacket of the cable in order to absorb the tensile forces in this way.

The US 2004/0142596 A1 describes a combination of a cable and a device for electrically connecting the cable to a housing in which a connecting element is arranged, which can be mechanically fixedly connected to an inner conductor of the cable, the device further comprising at least one fixing element by means of which the connecting element and so that the inner conductor of the cable is immovably fixed in the housing when a tensile force occurs due to positive locking.

From the WO 2005/027273 A1 and the DE 203 08 191 U1 In each case, connectors for a coaxial cable are known in which the inner conductor of the coaxial cable can be inserted in a contact-making manner in a cylindrical socket of the connector element when the connector is assembled.

The US 2008/0207051 A1 shows a further device for connecting a cable.

The invention has for its object to provide a combination of a cable and a device for electrically connecting the cable, which have even better use properties compared to the known devices, in particular also ensure a permanent electrical connection with low contact resistance when tensile forces or vibrations occur.

This object is achieved by the combination defined in claim 1. Particular embodiments of the invention are defined in the subclaims.

According to the characterizing part of claim 1, it is provided that the device has an elastically deformable spring element, with which the connecting element is biased within the housing in the direction of the positive contact with the fixing element. This ensures a play-free assembly of the connecting element in the device. The connecting element is locked in one direction by the form-fitting contact with the fixing element, in the opposite direction the connecting element can be displaceable against the restoring force of the spring element.

The device has a housing in which a connecting element is arranged, which can be connected mechanically firmly and generally also in an electrically conductive manner to a core of the cable, preferably to the inner conductor of the cable. The device also has at least one fixing element, by means of which the connecting element and thus the core of the cable is immovably fixed in the housing when a tensile force occurs due to positive locking. Due to the positive connection, it is not necessary to apply the fixing forces by clamping, ie by static friction forces, but fixing takes place independently of the frictional forces due to the shape of the elements. This has the advantage over the prior art that the creep properties that occur in the course of aging and / or temperature change do not have to be compensated for. Another advantage is that no clamping forces have to be exerted on the cable jacket, which can lead to an undesirable change in the electrical properties. In one embodiment, at least some of the fixing elements are made of plastic.

In one embodiment, the connecting element is sleeve-shaped at least in sections. The connecting element can be mechanically firmly connected to the core of the cable by clamping, in particular pressing. The core of the cable can be designed as a one-piece solid conductor, as a multi-part, each solid conductor, or as a strand and conduct the electrical current of the cable.

The connection between the connecting element and the core of the cable can be immediate, i. H. with direct contact of the connecting element on the core of the cable, or indirectly, for example by interposing an electrical connecting element, which in turn can preferably also provide the electrical contact element in one piece for the electrical connection of the device to a further plug connection part.

In one embodiment, the connecting element has a contact surface, which forms a positive connection in the direction of the tensile force, for the contact of the fixing element on. The contact surface can be formed, for example, by a surface extending inwards or outwards in the radial direction, for example by an at least sectionally flange-like widening of the connecting element. The flange-like widening can form a closed ring or can only be provided in sections in the circumferential direction.

In one embodiment, the fixing element has a contact surface which forms a positive connection in the direction of the tensile force for the contact of the fixing element on the housing. The fixing element can be designed, for example, as an oblique or, in particular, transversely to the direction of the tensile force bolt which can be inserted into an opening in the housing which extends transversely to the tensile force and thereby directly provides a fixing of the connecting element.

In one embodiment, the position of the positive contact of the fixing element in the direction of the tensile force and thus in the axial direction of the device is spaced from the position of the positive contact of the fixing element on the connecting element. For example, the positive engagement of the fixing element on the connecting element can be close to a contact element of the device, in particular close to the connection of the connecting element with the core of the cable, whereas the positive contact of the fixing element on the housing is set back, in particular at an end of the contact element remote from the contact element Housing of the device.

In one embodiment, the fixing element is in several parts and the parts are arranged one behind the other in the direction of the tensile force. The several parts are in the direction of the tensile force directly or indirectly with a positive interposition of another element in a positive contact. For example, a connecting line for a screen of the cable can be guided between two adjacent parts of the fixing element arranged one behind the other in the direction of the tensile force. As a result, the cable shield can be guided radially outward and, for example, brought to a metallic housing part of the device in an electrically contacting system. The parts of the fixing element can each be sleeve-shaped and accommodate the cable inside. At least a part of the fixing element can be designed as an obliquely and in particular transversely to the direction of the tensile force insertable latch.

In one embodiment, the spring element is in contact with an intermediate element. The intermediate element is held in contact with the connecting element by the restoring force of the spring element. The intermediate element can be made of an electrically insulating material, which ensures electrical insulation of the connecting element from the housing.

In one embodiment, the intermediate element is sleeve-shaped at least in sections. The intermediate element can have a radially outwardly projecting shoulder, in particular a flange-like widening with which the intermediate element is in contact with the spring element. The intermediate element can have a shoulder projecting radially inwards, in particular an annular shoulder with which the intermediate element is in contact with the connecting element.

The device can have a sling, which ensures that the spring element is only subjected to a maximum of 30% of pressure. This prevents a mechanical overload for the spring element.

In one embodiment, the intermediate element forms a protection against contact for an electrical contact element of the device. For this purpose, the intermediate element can protrude sleeve-shaped over the contact member in the direction of insertion of the device. Alternatively or in addition, the intermediate element can also extend longer in the opposite direction than the connecting element.

In one embodiment, the device is designed for electrical voltages in the range of more than 12 V and less than 2400 V, in particular more than 24 V and less than 1000 V and preferably up to an operating voltage of 700 V. In one embodiment, the device is in used in vehicle technology, especially in electric or hybrid vehicles, or in electric engines.

Fig. 1

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Steckverbindungssystems;

Fig. 2

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Steckverbindungssystems;

Fig. 3

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Steckverbindungssystems;

Fig. 4

zeigt eine Seitenansicht des Steckverbindungssystems der Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht des Steckverbindungssystems in einem teilweise getrennten Zustand;

Fig. 6

zeigt in perspektivischer Ansicht einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt im Bereich der Rastmittel;

Fig. 7

zeigt einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt im Bereich der Rastelemente;

Fig. 8

zeigt einen Ausschnitt eines Schnitts durch das Gehäuse des ersten Steckverbindungsteils;

Fig. 9

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Abschnitts der Leitung mit der am Leiterende abgesetzten Isolation;

Fig. 10

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Abschnitts der Leitung mit einer alternativen Ausführungsform eines Schirmelements;

Fig. 11

zeigt eine Ansicht von oben auf das erste Teil des Schirmelements;

Fig. 12

zeigt eine Seitenansicht auf einen Schnitt durch das erste Teil des Schirmelements;

Fig. 13

zeigt einen Schnitt durch ein zweites Teil des Schirmelements;

Fig. 14

zeigt einen Ausschnitt eines Schnitts durch ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines Gehäuses des ersten Steckverbindungsteils;

Fig. 15

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausschnitts des zweiten Steckverbindungsteils im Bereich des Pilotkontakts;

Fig. 16

zeigt einen Ausschnitt eines Schnitts durch das Gehäuse des ersten Steckverbindungsteils;

Fig. 17

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Steckverbindungselements;

Fig. 18

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Steckverbindungselements;

Fig. 19

zeigt ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Steckverbindungselements für einen Winkelstecker; und

Fig. 20

zeigt ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines Steckverbindungselements für einen Winkelstecker.

Die Fig. 1 zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Steckverbindungssystems 1 mit einem ersten Steckverbindungsteil 2 und einem zweiten Steckverbindungsteil 4 im noch nicht zusammengesteckten Zustand. Das erste Steckverbindungsteil 2 ist als dreipoliger Stecker ausgebildet, mit dem drei jeweils einpolige elektrische Leitungen 6, die jeweils als Kabel mit einem Kabelmantel ausgebildet sind, elektrisch mit dem zweiten Steckverbindungsteil 4 verbindbar sind. Hierzu sind in einem Gehäuse 48 beispielsweise die in den Fig. 17 und 18 dargestellten buchsenförmigen Kontaktorgane angeordnet, die beim Zusammenstecken des ersten und zweiten Steckverbindungsteils 2, 4 mit vorzugsweise zylindrischen Kontaktstiften 22 im zweiten Steckverbindungsteil 4 in elektrischen Kontakt bringbar sind.Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the subclaims and the following description, in which several exemplary embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

Fig. 1

shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a connector system;

Fig. 2

shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a connector system;

Fig. 3

shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a connector system;

Fig. 4

shows a side view of the connector system of FIG Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 5

shows a perspective view of the connector system in a partially separated state;

Fig. 6

shows a perspective view of an enlarged detail in the area of the locking means;

Fig. 7

shows an enlarged section in the area of the locking elements;

Fig. 8

shows a section of a section through the housing of the first connector part;

Fig. 9

shows a perspective view of a portion of the line with the insulation removed at the end of the conductor;

Fig. 10

shows a perspective view of a portion of the line with an alternative embodiment of a shield element;

Fig. 11

shows a view from above of the first part of the screen element;

Fig. 12

shows a side view of a section through the first part of the screen element;

Fig. 13

shows a section through a second part of the screen element;

Fig. 14

shows a section of a section through a second embodiment of a housing of the first connector part;

Fig. 15

shows a perspective view of a section of the second connector part in the area of the pilot contact;

Fig. 16

shows a section of a section through the housing of the first connector part;

Fig. 17

shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a connector element;

Fig. 18

shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a connector element;

Fig. 19

shows an embodiment of a connector for an angle connector; and

Fig. 20

shows a further embodiment of a connector for an angled connector.

The Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a connector system 1 with a first connector part 2 and a second connector part 4 in the not yet connected state. The first plug connection part 2 is designed as a three-pole plug, with which three single-pole electrical lines 6, which are each designed as cables with a cable jacket, can be electrically connected to the second plug connection part 4. For this purpose, for example, in a housing 48 Fig. 17 and 18th Shown socket-shaped contact members are shown, which can be brought into electrical contact when the first and second connector parts 2, 4 are plugged together with preferably cylindrical contact pins 22 in the second connector part 4.

In the exemplary embodiment, the second plug-in connection part 4 is arranged on a housing wall 8 of an assembly, for example on an alternator or on an electric motor. The first and second plug connection parts 2, 4 each have three load contacts 12, 14, 16, which serve for an electrical connection of the electrical lines 6, and a pilot contact 18 of which in the Fig. 1 only the associated pilot contact of the second connector part 4 is partially visible.

The two plug connection parts 2, 4 also have components 20 for guiding the first plug connection part 2 when plugging together with the second plug connection part 4, whereby on the side of the second plug connection part 4 as a guide component an at least partially cylindrical pin 24 is arranged, which on its first plug connection part 2 facing end is tapered, in particular rounded and / or has a conical surface.

Between the components 20 for the guide and the pilot contact 18, the two connector parts 2, 4 have components for locking the first connector part 2 to the second connector part 4, which in the exemplary embodiment has a connecting screw 26 on the side of the first connector part 2 and on the side of the second plug-in connection part 4, a threaded bore 28. The second plug-in connection part 4 can preferably be detachably fixed to the housing wall 8 by means of a connecting strip 30, in the exemplary embodiment screwed on.

In the first embodiment of the Fig. 1 the first plug-in connection part 2 has a line guide running parallel to the plug-in direction. The Fig. 2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a plug-in connection system 1, in which the first plug-in connection part 102 has an angled line routing of the electrical lines 6, in particular a line routing angled by 90 °. The second connector part 4 is identical to the second connector part 4 of the first embodiment of the Fig. 1 constructed, in particular, both a first connector part 2 with parallel to the direction of the line, as in the Fig. 1 shown, as well as a first plug-in connection part 102 with angled to the plug-in direction of the cable routing with the same second plug-in connection part 4.

The components of a first component group with components for the pilot contact 18, and the components for the three load contacts 12, 14, 16 are independent of a number of poles of the first plug connector part 102 determined by the number of load contacts 12, 14, 16, in particular the pilot contact 18 always identical, regardless of whether it is a one, two or n-pin connector; the same applies to the load contacts 12, 14, 16 in the straight version and the load contacts 212, 214 in the angled version ( Fig. 3 ). The components 20 for guiding when plugging together and the components 26 for fixing the first plug connection part 2 to the second plug connection part 4 are also formed independently of the number of poles.

The housing 48 of the first plug-in connection part 2 has a number of receiving chambers for the components of the load contacts 12, 14, 16, which number corresponds to the number of poles determined by the number of load contacts 12, 14, 16. The components of the load contacts 12, 14, 16 arranged within the housing 48 are constructed identically. The components 20 for guidance when plugging together, as well as the components of the pilot contact 18 and the fixing 26 are between the in the Fig. 1 and 2nd arranged first load contact 12 and the middle load contact 14 arranged on the left. In one embodiment, this arrangement is retained even with two-pole or multi-pole plug connections, in particular the arrangement of the components 20 for the guide, the pilot contact 18 and the connecting means 26 is always between two adjacent load contacts 12, 14 regardless of the number of poles of the plug connection system 1 arranged.

The second plug-in connection part 4 has a sleeve-shaped section 32 which projects beyond the contact pin 22 in the axial direction and which can serve to further guide the first plug-in connection part 2, 102 when it is plugged together with the second plug-in connection part 4. The sleeve-shaped Section 32 has an opening 34 which extends in the plug-in direction and which is open in the direction of the first plug-in connection part 2, 102 and, in the exemplary embodiment, is formed by a slot. When plugged together, the first plug-in connection part 2, 102 projects with its housing 48 beyond an end 36 of the opening 34 facing the second plug-in connection part 4. This is followed by an annular and preferably cylindrical or conical section 38, to which a sealant can be brought into contact when plugged together and thereby seals the contact elements of the plug connection system 1. On its inside, the sleeve-shaped section 32 preferably has integrally formed guide means 40 which, in the exemplary embodiment, extend in the axial direction and are designed as webs, and by means of which further guidance and / or polarity reversal security is ensured when they are plugged together. In one embodiment, the guide means or webs and the associated cutouts can form a customer-specific, selectable coding of the connector system 1.

The Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a connector system 201 with a two-pole first connector part 202 and a two-pole second connector part 204, the first connector part 202 being an angled connector in which the line is perpendicular to the direction of insertion.

The Fig. 4 shows a side view of the connector system 201 of FIG Fig. 3 . The Fig. 5 shows in one opposite the 3 and 4 An enlarged view is a perspective view of the connector system 201 in a partially separated state.

The first connector part 202 has a bow-shaped actuating element 242, with which the two connector parts 202, 204 from the in the 3 and 4 fully mated condition in one in of the Fig. 5 The state shown can be converted, in which the pilot contact 218 is either already separated, or in any case when the actuating element 242 has been completely transferred to one of the ones shown in FIGS 3 and 4 is separated by 90 ° rotated position, but the load contacts 212, 214 are still electrically connected. The actuating element 242 can be pivoted about an axle pin 244, which is preferably formed in one piece by the first plug connection part 202, whereupon a control curve 246 introduced, for example, by a groove in the actuating element 242, is moved along a guide pin 250 arranged on the second plug connection part 204 such that the first plug connection part 202 stands out from the second connector part 204.

When the actuator 242 is opposite the position in the Fig. 3 90 ° rotated position, the pilot contact 218 of the first connector 202 is no longer in electrical connection with the pilot contact of the second connector 204, whereas the load contacts 212, 214 of the first connector 202 are still in electrical connection with the load contacts of the second connector 204 .

The actuating element 242 can in its 3 and 4 illustrated first end position and / or releasably latchable in a second end position rotated by 90 °. Due to the lever action of the actuating element 242, only a small actuating force is required both when opening and when closing the connection between the first and the second plug connection part 202, 204. This is particularly advantageous at high temperatures and / or dirty environmental conditions.

The first plug-in connection part 202 and the second plug-in connection part 204 have corresponding latching means 252, 254, wherein in the exemplary embodiment, the latching means 252 of the first plug-in connection part 202 is formed by a recess in a housing wall into which the associated latching means 254 of the second plug-in connection part 204 engages when plugged in and thereby latches with the opening. For this purpose, the latching means 254 of the second plug connection part 204 has a run-on slope, by means of which the latching means 254 is deflected when it is plugged together and snaps back as soon as the latching means 254 engages in the opening in the first plug connection part 202.

After transferring the first plug connection part 202 from the into the 3 and 4 position shown in the Fig. 5 illustrated position or in addition to a position in which the actuating element 242 has been pivoted through 90 °, the latching means 254 of the second plug connection part 204 is in contact with the edge of the opening of the first plug connection part 202 forming the latching means 252 first connector part 202 prevented. Only after the latching means 254 is disengaged from the latching means 252, for example by means of a screwdriver or another suitable tool, which can be inserted into the opening and then rotated, for example, can the first plug-in connection part 202 be completely removed.

The fact that the actuating element 242 must first be actuated, and the pilot contact 218 is thereby disconnected while the load contacts 212, 214 are still connected, and then the latching means 252, 254 are disengaged, for example by means of a tool, alternatively also without tools must be brought before the first connector part 202 can be completely removed, in practice there is a time delay of, for example, at least 0.5 or 1 second. This enables a higher-level control to switch the load contacts 212, 214 currentless after the disconnection of the pilot contact 218 signals that the connection is to be disconnected. Also when plugging together there is the possibility that the load contacts 212, 214 are first connected by plugging in the first plug-in connection part 202, and the pilot contact 218 is only closed by the subsequent pivoting of the actuating element 242, whereupon a superordinate control line connects the load lines Can put electricity. Thus, both the plugging in and the disconnection of the electrical connection of the load contacts 212, 214 can take place without current, as a result of which the electrical contacts are protected and a permanently reliable electrical connection can be provided.

The Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of an enlarged detail in the area of the latching means 252, 254 in a state in which the first plug connection part 202 is completely plugged together with the second plug connection part 204 and both the load contacts 212, 214 and the pilot contact 218 are closed. The Fig. 7 shows an enlarged detail in the area of the latching elements 252, 254 in a state in which the first plug connection part 202 is detached from the second plug connection part 204 to such an extent that the pilot contact 218 is separated, but the load contacts 212, 214 are still connected.

The locking element 252 of the first plug-in connection part has a first opening section 256, which is slightly larger than a first section 258 of the second locking element 254, but smaller than a second section 260 of the second locking element 254 Fig. 7 Position shown the second section 260 in contact with the housing 48 of the first connector part 2 and blocks a complete removal of the first connector part 202 from the second connector part 204. Only by deflecting the second locking element 254, for example by means of a tool, the second section 260 in Covered with a second, larger than the first opening portion second opening portion 262 of the first locking element 254, the is slightly larger than the second section 260 of the second latching element 254, so that the first plug connection part 202 can be removed from the second plug connection part 204.

The Fig. 8 shows a section of a section through the housing 48 of the first connector part 2 in an area in which the electrical line 6 shown in a view is connected to the first connector part 2. The line 6 is a cable with an inner conductor 53, which is surrounded by an insulation 55, to which a metallically conductive cable shield 57 is applied on the outside. At its end covered by a sleeve-shaped connecting element 78, the inner conductor 53 is connected to an electrical connector element 10 ( Fig. 17 , 18th ) electrically and mechanically connected.

The plug connection part 2, which is a device 11 for electrically connecting the cable shield 57 of the electrical line 6 to the housing 48, furthermore has a three-part fixing element 81, 85, 87 in the exemplary embodiment shown, by means of which the connecting element 78 and thus the inner conductor 53 when Occurrence of a tensile force on the line 6 is immovably fixed in the housing 48 by positive locking. The connecting element 78 is at least in sections sleeve-shaped and mechanically firmly connected to the inner conductor 53 by clamping, in particular pressed to the inner conductor 53. The pressing takes place with the interposition of two contact plates 72, 74, which also form the contact element of the connector element 10 in one piece.

The connecting element 78 has a flange-like widening 84 at at least one end, which forms a preferably annular contact surface 79 for a first part 81 of the fixing element in the direction of the tensile force. The first part 81 of the fixing element is sleeve-shaped and engages around the connecting element 78 and extends towards the end facing away from the contact element of the plug connection element 10 beyond the connection element 78. At its front end, the first part 81 of the fixing element, with the interposition of a radially outwardly extending connecting line 83 for the cable shield 57, is in contact with a second part 85 of the fixing element, which is also sleeve-shaped and accommodates the line 6. At its end opposite the first part 81, the second part 85 has a contact surface for a third part 87 of the fixing element, which forms a positive connection with the housing 48 in the direction of the tensile force.

In the exemplary embodiment, the third part 87 of the fixing element is designed in the form of a clamp, the associated clamp being inserted in an opening 89 ( Fig. 1 ) can be inserted into the housing 48 in an oblique direction and in particular transversely to the plugging direction or to the longitudinal direction of the line 6 and thereby locks the fixing element in the housing 48. When a tensile force occurs on the cable 6, this tensile force is transmitted via the inner conductor 53 to the connecting element 78, which is in a form-fitting contact with the first part 81 of the fixing element, which in turn is in a form-fitting contact with the second part 85, and this in turn in a form-fitting contact on the third part 87, the third part 87 being in positive engagement with the housing 48. This provides a fixed connection between the line 6 and the housing 48, which is based only on a positive contact and is independent of frictional forces.

The device 11 is part of a receiving chamber assigned to each pole for a load contact 12, 14, 16, 212, 214 in each embodiment of the housing 48 of the first plug-in connection part 2. The device 11 can be used for straight connectors as well as for the design of the contact elements be the same for angled connectors.

The device 11 also has an intermediate element 91, which can be made of a plastic. The intermediate element 91 can also be referred to as an insulating sleeve. The intermediate element 91 comprises the connection element 78 at least in sections and projects beyond the connection element 78 in the direction of the contact element of the plug connection element 10. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the intermediate element 91 forms in one piece a sleeve-shaped guide section 75 which, when the first and second plug connection parts 2, 4 are plugged together, abuts the sleeve-shaped section 32 ( Fig. 1 ) of the second connector part 4 comes and is guided.

The device 11 has a spring element 93, with which the connecting element 78 is biased in the housing 48 in the direction of the positive engagement with the fixing element, in the exemplary embodiment it is biased in the direction of the first part 81 of the fixing element. The spring element 93 is on the one hand in abutment with a radially outwardly projecting shoulder of the intermediate element 91 and on the other hand in abutment with a radially inwardly projecting shoulder of the housing 48 can be claimed, for example up to 30% compression.

The first part 81 of the fixing element has, in a section between the positive contact with the connecting element 78 and the positive contact with the second part 85 or the connecting line 83 for the cable shield 57, a latching means 95 with which the first part 81 during assembly the device 11 can be locked with the intermediate element 91. In the exemplary embodiment, the latching means 95 is formed by a section with a larger radial dimension, which can engage in a correspondingly shaped recess in the intermediate element 91. The intermediate element 91 can on its from the contact element of the connector element 10 pointing end have a slotted portion, and at the end of a bevel 97 may be arranged for snapping the first part 81st

The second part 85 of the fixing element protrudes beyond the end of the housing 48 at its end pointing away from the contact element of the connector element 10, as a result of which the electrical line 6 is guided. On the inside, near this axial end, a sealing element 99 is arranged between the second part 85 and the line 6, which forms a plurality of sealing surfaces in the axial direction and, in the exemplary embodiment, has the cross-sectional shape of a corrugated hose. The sealing element 99 also provides guidance of the line 6 in the housing 48. In the area of the sealing element 99, the third part 87 of the fixing element is in contact with the inner surface of the housing 48 by a further sealing element 77; the third part 87 can also be referred to as a lock.

The Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a section of the line 6 with the insulation 55 deposited at the end of the conductor and the inner conductor 53 exposed thereby. In the region of the insulation 55, the cable shield 57 ( Fig. 8 ) electrically contacted by an essentially annular shield element 59. The shield element 59 can be formed from a flat sheet metal part produced by stamping and, in the shaped state, has an annular section with which the shield element 59 can be brought into contact with the line 6 to be connected. In addition, the shield element 59 preferably has radially projecting contact tongues 61 which are distributed uniformly in the circumferential direction and which can be brought into contact with the housing 48 and thereby make electrical contact with the housing 48.

The shield element 59 has slots 63, which extend in the direction of the inner conductor 53 and are preferably arranged uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction, through which the eddy currents occurring in the shield element 59 are reduced.

The Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a section of the line 6 with an alternative embodiment of a screen element 159, which is formed in several parts. A first part 131 of the screen element 159 can be designed as a stamped / bent part and have a continuous axial slot 133 through which the first part 131 can be deformed in a spring-elastic manner; the first part 131 can also be referred to as a shield contact. The Fig. 11 shows a top view of the first part 131 and the Fig. 12 a side view of a section through the first part 131. The first part 131 forms a contact element for the cable shield 57 of the line 6. Die Fig. 13 shows a section through a second part 135 of the shield element 159, with which the cable shield 57 can be electrically contacted and in particular an electrically conductive connection between the cable shield 57 and the first part 131 can be established; the second part 135 can also be referred to as a screen crimp.

The Fig. 14 shows a section of a section through a second embodiment of a housing 148 of the first connector part 2. As far as the embodiment of FIG Fig. 8 corresponding features are designated, reference numerals are used, which are by the amount 100 compared to those in the Fig. 8 reference numerals used are increased. In the embodiment of the Fig. 14 is a screen element 159 used, as in the Figures 10 to 13 is shown. The shielding element 159 comprises a third part 137, with which the cable shield 157 of the line 106 is mechanically fixed, in particular crimped; the third part 137 can also be referred to as a support crimp. The third part 137 encloses both the cable shield 157 on the insulation 155 and the outer cable sheath of the line 106. The section of the third part 137, which surrounds the insulation 155 or the cable shield 157, is axially spaced from the section of the third part 137, which surrounds the outer cable jacket. The embodiment of the housing 148 of the Fig. 14 is like the embodiment of the Fig. 8 conical inside. Unlike that Fig. 8 is the housing 148 Fig. 14 the outer shape is also conical, as the wall thickness is almost constant.

The protruding end of the cable shield 157, which is shortened to a suitable length, is folded over the section which surrounds the insulation 155 and the cable shield 157 and is enclosed by the second part 135 of the shield element 159. The second part 135 is shaped such that its outer edge almost reaches the inner surface of the housing 148. To stiffen the front end of the second part 135, this has a stiffening means 139, which in the exemplary embodiment is formed by an annular recess. On the outside, the second part 135 has a preferably circumferential edge section 141 which extends at right angles to the longitudinal axis and which, in the exemplary embodiment, is set back from the axial ends of the second part 135, the distance from one axial end being smaller than from the opposite other axial end .

The second part 185 of the fixing element is positively supported on the outer edge in the axial direction; the second part 185 can also be referred to as a sealing sleeve. At the front end of the second part 135 of the screen element 159, the first part 181 of the fixing element is supported in a form-fitting manner in the axial direction, the support of the first part 181 lying radially on the inside opposite the support of the second part 185 of the fixing element; the first part 181 can also be referred to as a spacer sleeve. In the exemplary embodiment, the second part 135 is rotationally symmetrical to its longitudinal axis. By turning the cable shield 157, it is at a defined distance from the main contact.

The first part 131 of the screen element 159 is arranged between the edge section 141 of the second part 135 and the housing 148. In the exemplary embodiment it consists of a slotted sleeve which is in the undeformed State has a shape deviating from the cylindrical shape, in particular is conical. At or near an axial end, the first part 131 has contact tongues 161 or contact lugs, with which the housing 148 can be electrically contacted, on its outer surface, preferably formed in one piece by embossing and preferably distributed uniformly in the circumferential direction. At or near the opposite end, the inside of the first part 131 has second contact tongues 143 or contact lugs, which are formed in one piece by stamping and are preferably arranged uniformly in the circumferential direction and with which the second part 135 of the screen element 159 can be electrically contacted.

In the in the Fig. 14 In the installed state shown, the first part 131 is roughly cylindrical in shape, since the cable of the line 106 with the parts mounted thereon is pushed into the housing 148 during assembly. Due to the restoring force of the first part 131, this is in a safe electrical system on the one hand on the inner surface of the housing 148 and on the other hand on the second part 135 of the shielding element 159. At the end of the first part 131, stop means formed in one piece are preferably arranged for contacting the second part 135 , in particular for contacting the edge section 141 of the second part 135, by which it is ensured that the first part 131 is axially in a defined position in the housing 148, in particular in a defined position with respect to the second part 135 and thus with respect to the line 106 The stop means can be formed by the second contact tongues 143.

The arrangement of three contact tongues 161 and three second contact tongues 143 in each case ensures that the first part 131 bears radially outwards against the housing 148 and radially inwards. A radially inner second contact tongue 143 is arranged for each radially outer contact tongue 161, the connecting line between mutually associated contact tongues 161, 143 being parallel to the The longitudinal axis of the line 106 runs in order to ensure a corresponding current flow direction for the cable shield current. The small distance between the sleeve-shaped first part 131 and the housing 148 ensures a good capacitive coupling of the shield contact.

The outer diameter of the second part 135 in the area of the edge section 141 is only slightly less than the clear width of the housing 148 minus the thickness of the first part 131, so that there is a play of less than 2 mm, in particular less than 1.2, in this area mm and preferably less than 0.8 mm; in the exemplary embodiment, the distance is approximately 0.5 mm. In the event of a radial movement of the line 106, in particular of the cable with the parts fastened thereon, i. H. also with the second part 135, the first part 131 also moves at the axial position at which the first part 131 electrically contacts the second part 135, the movement due to the abutment of the first part 131 on the inside of the housing 148 Experiences attack.

At its opposite end, however, the first part 131 does not experience any movement in the radial direction, because the first part 131 is centered by the contact tongues 161 inside the housing 148. This results in a pivoting movement of the first part 131, which has the advantage that a relative movement takes place at the contact points, as a result of which the contact surfaces are cleaned. The end section of the first part 131, with which the first part 131 is in connection with the second part 135, is at an angle of more than 0.2 ° and less than 6 °, in particular more than 0.5 °, with respect to the adjacent section and bent less than 4 ° and preferably more than 0.5 ° and less than 2.5 ° inward so that this end section does not experience any bending stress when the first part 131 is pivoted, which would be disadvantageous when vibrations occur. The length of the bent section is less than 30% of the length of the first part 131, in particular less than 20% and preferably less than 15%. In the embodiment, the length of the bent section up to +/- 25% equal to the length of the second contact tongues 143.

The Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of a section of the second plug-in connection part 4 in the area of the pilot contact 18. An electrically conductive, loosely placed sleeve-shaped section 64 on the plug-in unit for the pilot contact 18 has a flange-like widening 66 on its end facing the terminal strip 30, to which one of of the terminal strip 30, preferably a one-piece contact lug 65 can be brought into contact-making contact, the contact lug 65 being able to be deflected resiliently with respect to the terminal strip 30 and fixing the sleeve-shaped section 64 to the housing wall 8 and ensuring the shield connection. In one embodiment, the contact lugs 65 are hold-downs for the conductive sleeve, which is bent at the end, with flange-like widening 66, which places the shield connection on the potential of the unit.

The Fig. 16 shows a section of a section through the housing 48 of the first connector part 2 and the housing wall 8 of the unit with the second connector element 4 in the assembled state. A seal 69 is arranged between the sleeve-shaped section 32 of the second plug-in connection element 4 and the housing 48 of the first plug-in connection element 2, in particular in contact with the ring-shaped section 38 ( Fig. 1 ) of the sleeve-shaped section 32 on the one hand and the housing 48 on the other. The guide section 75 of the first plug connection element 2 projects in the direction of the second plug connection element 4 beyond the contact members of the first plug connection element 2, so that they are arranged in the first plug connection element 2 so as to be safe from contact. A dome 67, which is preferably formed in one piece by the terminal strip 30, is in contact-making contact with the housing 48 of the first Plug connector element 2. In one embodiment, the terminal strip 30 thereby forms a form-fitting counterhold for the housing 48 in the area of the passage of the load contacts 12, 14, 16.

The Fig. 17 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a connector element 10 for use in the first connector part 2 described above. The connector element 10 has two contact plates 72, 74 formed by shaped electrically conductive sheet metal strips, each of which has a connection section 76, which is shown in FIG Fig. 17 is covered by the sleeve-shaped connecting element 78, for the electrical connection of the connector element 10 to the electrical line 6. Furthermore, the contact plates 72, 74 have a contact section 82, for a releasable electrical connection of the connector element 10 to a contact element of the second connector element 4. Furthermore the contact plates 72, 74 have a compensation section 80 arranged between the connection section 76 and the contact section 82 for an elastic deflection of the contact section 82 with respect to the connection section 76.

In the region of the connection section 76, the two contact plates 72, 74 are bent in the shape of a part circle, in particular each approximately semi-circular, and are fixed in the position shown by the sleeve 78. The connecting element 78 has at its end facing the contact section 82 a support element 84 formed by a flange-like widening, by means of which the connecting element 78 can be supported on a counter element. As described above, the connecting element and thus the line 6 can be fixed in the housing 48 of the first plug-in connecting element 2 when a tensile force occurs; As a result, tensile forces or vibrations are not passed on to the contact section 82, as a result of which the electrical connection is particularly reliable.

The line 6 to be connected, which is to be inserted in the connection section 76, is permanently securely connected to the plug connection element 10 by crimping the sleeve 78, in particular by forming a hexagon. The support element 84 has the effect that the forces and / or deformations occurring during the crimping are kept away from the compensation section 80. For this purpose, it is particularly advantageous if the support element 84 is also preceded by a first widening section 73, so that the connecting element 78 has a widening in two or more stages.

In the compensating section 80, the two contact plates 72, 74 are each bent in a meandering manner, starting from the connection section 76 first forming the first contact plate 72 in a U-shaped loop and then in the axial direction the second contact plate 74 forming an essentially identically dimensioned U-shaped loop forms. The two contact plates 72, 74 then extend further into the contact section 82. At the bending points of the meandering loops, the two contact plates 72, 74 each have at least one recess 86, through which the strip width of the contact plate 72, 74 is reduced and the bending stiffness is thereby reduced. In the two parallel legs 88 of the meandering loop, the two contact plates 72, 74 have tool engagement surfaces 90, which in the exemplary embodiment are formed by holes by means of which the contact plates 72, 74 can be fixed when the loops are bent; alternatively or in addition, the holes can also be provided to reduce the bending stiffness. In addition, the contact plates 72, 74 have, in the region of the parallel legs 88, stop means 92 which, in the exemplary embodiment, are formed by lugs formed in one piece by the contact plates 72, 74 and bent by 90 °.

In the contact section 82, the two contact plates 72, 74 are bent in a V-shape and thereby enclose an angle between 60 and 150 °, preferably between 75 and 120 °. As an alternative to the V-shape, the contact plates 72, 74 have a bending shape which deviates from the cross-sectional contour of the contact element of the second plug-in connection part 4, so that one or preferably two line contacts per contact plate 72, 74 result. A foreign spring 94 is placed on the contact plates 72, 74 bent in this way, with which the contact plates 72, 74 can be held in contact-making contact with the contact element of the assigned second plug connection part 4. The foreign spring 94 has an annular section 96 which limits the maximum widening of the contact plates 72, 74 in the contact section 82. Spring arms 98 protrude from the annular section 96 in the axial direction, which in the undeformed initial state are bent or kinked inwards and exert the contact force. In the exemplary embodiment, two spring arms 98 are arranged on opposite sides.

Offset by 90 ° to the spring arms 98, the external spring 94 has guide means 68, which are bent radially inwards at or near their free end and thereby engage in a gap formed between the two contact plates 72, 74 and thereby the external spring 94 when plugged on lead to the contact section 82. At the transition from the contact section 82 to the compensating section 80, the two contact plates 72, 74 form a stop means 70 for pushing on the foreign spring 94 by means of a radial expansion.

The Fig. 18 shows a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a connector element 110 for use in the first connector part 2 described above. In the contact section, the first and second contact plates 172, 174 have outwardly projecting lugs 111, 113, which together form a guide and a stop form for attaching the foreign spring 194. The annular section 115 of the foreign spring 194 is arranged at an end facing the second plug connection part 4. Guide means 117 protrude from the annular section 115 on opposite sides and are inserted between the two lugs 111, 113 when the foreign spring 194 is plugged on. The guide means 117 have a rounded or beveled end section. As an alternative or in addition, the guide means 117 form spacers which prevent the two contact plates 172, 174 from being excessively compressed.

From the annular section 115, locking means 119 protrude on opposite sides, which cooperate with corresponding locking means 121 of the contact plates 172, 174. In the exemplary embodiment, the latching means 119 of the foreign spring 194 have an opening or recess into which the latching means 121, for example a knob, formed integrally by embossing of the contact plates 172, 174, for example, engage.

The end of the annular section 115 is essentially flush with the contact plates 172, 174. The contact plates 172, 174 form an insertion slope 125 for the contact pin 22 ( Fig. 1 ). Due to its shape, each of the contact plates 172, 174 has two line contacts 123 for the contact-making contact with the contact pin 22.

The connecting element 178 has an adjusting means 127 in the region of the connecting section, in particular at its end on the connecting section side, by means of which the position of the connecting element in relation to the contact plates 172, 174 can be adjusted. The adjusting means 127 can be formed by a recess into which a corresponding position fixation is embossed immediately after the contact plates 172, 174 have been inserted is, so that the connecting element 178 is only held in a predeterminable angular position on the contact plates 172, 174 and rotation protection is guaranteed during further assembly.

The Fig. 19 shows an embodiment of a connector element 210 for an angled plug. In contrast to the connector 10 of the Fig. 17 one of the contact plates 274 is only cranked and does not have to form a complete meander loop. Inserting a contact pin 22 ( Fig. 1 ) takes place transversely to the longitudinal direction of the plug connection element 210 determined by the sequential arrangement of the connection section 276, compensation section 280 and contact section 282. The foreign spring 294 is produced as a stamped / bent part and is placed on the contact section 282.

The Fig. 20 shows a further embodiment of a connector element 310 for an angled plug. The foreign spring 394 has two legs, each with at least one locking means 319, which interact with corresponding locking means 321 of the contact plates 372, 374. In the exemplary embodiment, the latching means 319 of the foreign spring 394 have an opening or recess into which the latching means 321, which are formed, for example, by stamping in one piece by the contact plates 372, 374, engage.

The contact plates 372, 374 form at the end an insertion bevel 325 for the contact pin 22 of the second plug-in connection part 4. Each of the contact plates 372, 374 has two line contacts 323 due to its shape for the contact-making contact on the contact pin 22.

At least one of the contact plates 372, 374 has a stop means 329, preferably in one piece, by means of which the contact plates 372, 374 can only be inserted into the connecting element 378 up to a corresponding stop; the corresponding stop can be formed by the transition from the support element 384 to the first widened section 373 on the inside of the connecting element 378.

For all of the plug-in connection elements shown, a safe electrical connection is provided by providing a total of four linear electrical contacts. The foreign spring 94, 194, 294, 394 ensures a non-positive contact with the corresponding contact element of the assigned second connector part 4. The compensation section 80, 280 ensures a secure contact of the contact section 82, 282 with all four contact lines, in particular a compensation of a parallel offset or an inclined position of the contact member to be contacted is ensured. The high current carrying capacity is provided by the direct contact of the contact plates 72, 74 having a large cross-sectional area on the contact pin 22; the required flexibility of the contact plates 72, 74 is provided by the compensation section 80, 280, which is formed separately from the contact point and the connection to the line 6.

Claims (9)

1. Combination consisting of a cable and a device (11) for electrically connecting the cable to a housing (48) in which a connection element (78) is arranged which can be connected to an inner conductor (53) of the cable in a mechanically rigid manner, the device (11) further comprising at least one fixing element (81, 85, 87) by means of which the connection element (78), and thus the inner conductor (53) of the cable, is immovably fixed in the housing (48) by a form-fitting connection in the event of a tensile force arising, characterised in that the device (11) comprises an elastically deformable spring element (93) by means of which the connection element (78) is preloaded in the housing (48) in the direction of the form-fitting contact on the fixing element (81, 85, 87).
2. Combination according to claim 1, characterised in that the connection element (78) is sleeve-like at least in portions and can be connected to the inner conductor (53) of the cable in a mechanically rigid manner by means of clamping, in particular to the inner conductor (53) of the cable by means of pressing.
3. Combination according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the connection element (78) comprises a contact surface (79) which forms a form-fitting connection in the direction of the tensile force and is intended for contact on the fixing element (81, 85, 87).
4. Combination according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fixing element (81, 85, 87) comprises a contact surface which forms a form-fitting connection in the direction of the tensile force and is intended for contact on the housing (48).
5. Combination according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fixing element (81, 85, 87) comprises a plurality of parts which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of the tensile force, the plurality of parts being in form-fitting contact with one another in the direction of the tensile force, either directly, or indirectly by way of form-fitting interposition of a further element.
6. Combination according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that a connecting line (83) for a cable shield (57) is guided through, between two parts of the fixing element (81, 85, 87) that are adjacent in the direction of the tensile force.
7. Combination according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spring element (93) is in contact on an intermediate element (91), and in that the intermediate element (91) is held in contact on the connection element (78) by the restoring force of the spring element (93).
8. Combination according to claim 7, characterised in that the intermediate element (91) is sleeve-like at least in portions.
9. Combination according to either claim 7 or claim 8, characterised in that the intermediate element (91) forms touch protection for a contact member of the device (11), and in particular protrudes beyond the contact member in the axial direction in a sleeve-like manner.

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